U.S. patent application number 17/431763 was filed with the patent office on 2022-05-05 for active d pillar integrated into a lift gate spoiler.
This patent application is currently assigned to Magna Exteriors Inc.. The applicant listed for this patent is Magna Exteriors Inc.. Invention is credited to Michael COWAN, Braendon R. LINDBERG, Ted E. PETERSON.
Application Number | 20220135150 17/431763 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | |
Filed Date | 2022-05-05 |
United States Patent
Application |
20220135150 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
LINDBERG; Braendon R. ; et
al. |
May 5, 2022 |
ACTIVE D PILLAR INTEGRATED INTO A LIFT GATE SPOILER
Abstract
An active aerodynamic assembly that includes a lift gate having
a cavity formed between two panels. An aperture of formed on the
outer panel providing access to the cavity. A frame connected to
the lift gate within the cavity. A spoiler slidably connected to
the frame and moveable along the deployment axis between a stowed
position and a deployed position. At least one coupler link
connected between the spoiler and the frame that is driven by the
actuator along one of the plurality of tracks on the frame. There
is also a moveable D pillar contained with the cavity that moves
between a stowed position within the cavity and an extended
position such that a winglet of the moveable D pillar extends
outside of the cavity past the outside surface of the lift
gate.
Inventors: |
LINDBERG; Braendon R.;
(Metamora, MI) ; COWAN; Michael; (Macomb, MI)
; PETERSON; Ted E.; (Howell, MI) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Magna Exteriors Inc. |
Concord |
|
CA |
|
|
Assignee: |
Magna Exteriors Inc.
Concord
ON
|
Appl. No.: |
17/431763 |
Filed: |
April 21, 2020 |
PCT Filed: |
April 21, 2020 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/US2020/029105 |
371 Date: |
August 18, 2021 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
62837566 |
Apr 23, 2019 |
|
|
|
International
Class: |
B62D 35/00 20060101
B62D035/00; B62D 37/02 20060101 B62D037/02 |
Claims
1. An active aerodynamic assembly comprising: a lift gate formed by
connecting together an inner panel and an outer panel; an active
spoiler arrangement connected to the lift gate and having a spoiler
capable of moving between a stowed position and a deployed position
along a deployment axis; and an actuator connected to the active
spoiler arrangement to selectively move the active spoiler
arrangement between a stowed position and a deployed position.
2. The active aerodynamic assembly of claim 1, wherein the active
spoiler arrangement further includes: a frame connected to the
inner panel of the lift gate, wherein the frame has at least one
drive track formed on the frame such that the at least one drive
track extends along the deployment axis; and at least one coupler
link connected between the spoiler and at least one guide track,
wherein the at least one coupler link is driven by the actuator
along the at least one drive track of the frame.
3. The active aerodynamic assembly of claim 2, wherein the active
spoiler arrangement further includes: at least one guide track
formed on the frame such that the at least one drive track and at
least one guide track are parallel to each other and extend along
the deployment axis; at least one guide flange connected between
the spoiler and the at least one guide track, wherein the at least
one guide flange moves along the at least one guide flange in
response to the at least guide flange being driven by the actuator;
and at least one coupler link connected between the spoiler and at
least one drive track, wherein the at least one coupler link moves
in the at least one guide track in response to the at least one
coupler link being driven by the actuator.
4. The active aerodynamic assembly of claim 3 further comprising
slants at each end of the at least one guide track and slants at
each end of the at least one driven track that allows the spoiler
to recess downward when in the stowed position and deployed
position to make a top surface of the spoiler flush with adjacent
surfaces.
5. The active aerodynamic assembly of claim 2 further comprising
slants at each end of the guide track that allows the spoiler to
recess downward when in the stowed position and deployed position
to make a top surface of the spoiler flush with adjacent
surfaces.
6. The active aerodynamic assembly of claim 5 wherein the adjacent
surfaces include a roof of a vehicle and a closeout panel of the
active spoiler arrangement.
7. The active aerodynamic assembly of claim 2 further comprising: a
drive shaft having a threaded surface connected to the actuator,
wherein the drive shaft is bi-directionally rotatable by the
actuator; the at least one coupler link includes a drive nut
connected to the threaded surface of the drive shaft and moveable
along the drive shaft in response to rotation of the drive shaft by
the actuator.
8. An active aerodynamic assembly comprising: a lift gate formed by
connecting together an inner panel and an outer panel; at least one
cavity formed between the inner panel and the outer panel; an
aperture to the at least one cavity formed through a portion of the
outer panel; at least one D pillar arrangement including a moveable
D pillar positionable within the at least one cavity and aligned
with the aperture, wherein the at least one moveable D pillar is
moveable between a stowed position, where the at least one moveable
D pillar is located within the at least one cavity and a deployed
position, where a portion of the D pillar extends through the
aperture past the outer panel of the lift gate; and an actuator
positioned in the at least one cavity, wherein the actuator is
connected the at least one D pillar arrangement and moves the D
pillar arrangement between the stowed position and the deployed
position.
9. The active aerodynamic assembly of claim 8, wherein the active
spoiler arrangement further includes: a frame connected to the
inner panel of the lift gate, wherein the frame has at least one
drive track formed on the frame such that the at least one drive
track extends along the deployment axis; and at least one coupler
link connectable with the D pillar arrangement, wherein the at
least one coupler link is driven by the actuator along the at least
one drive track of the frame.
10. The active aerodynamic assembly of claim 9, further comprising:
a drive shaft having a threaded surface connected to the actuator,
wherein the drive shaft is bi-directionally rotatable by the
actuator; the at least one coupler link includes a drive nut
connected to the threaded surface of the drive shaft and moveable
along the drive shaft in response to rotation of the drive shaft by
the actuator.
11. The active aerodynamic assembly of claim 9 further comprising:
a base portion of the at least one D pillar arrangement and a
winglet portion connected to the base portion, wherein the winglet
portion extends through the aperture past outer panel of the lift
gate when the at least one D pillar arrangement is moved to the
deployed position; a slotted link pivotally connectable to the
actuator at one end and the base portion at a second end, wherein
the slotted link transfers force from the actuator to the at least
one D pillar arrangement to cause the at least one D pillar
arrangement to move between the stowed position and the deployed
position.
12. The active aerodynamic assembly of claim 11, wherein the base
portion further includes a base member slot that receives a portion
of the second end of the slotted link, thereby allowing the at
least one D pillar arrangement to rotate about the second end of
the slotted link.
13. The active aerodynamic assembly of claim 12, wherein the base
portion of the at least one D pillar arrangement includes a pivot
connection and return spring connected to the inner panel for
providing a force that biases the at least one D pillar arrangement
toward the stowed position.
14. An active aerodynamic assembly comprising: a lift gate formed
by connecting together an inner panel and an outer panel; at least
one cavity formed between the inner panel and the outer panel; an
aperture to the at least one cavity formed through a portion of the
outer panel; an active spoiler arrangement connected to the at
least one cavity and having a spoiler capable of moving between a
stowed position and a deployed position along a deployment axis; at
least one D pillar arrangement including a moveable D pillar
positionable within the at least one cavity and aligned with the
aperture, wherein the at least one moveable D pillar is moveable
between a stowed position, where the at least one moveable D pillar
is located within the at least one cavity and a deployed position,
where a portion of the D pillar extends through the aperture past
the outer panel of the lift gate; and an actuator positioned in the
at least one cavity, wherein the actuator is connected to the
active spoiler arrangement to selectively move the active spoiler
arrangement between a stowed position and a deployed position,
wherein the at least one D pillar arrangement is connected to the
active spoiler arrangement and the at least one D pillar
arrangement moves between the stowed position and the deployed
position in response to movement of the active spoiler
arrangement.
15. The active aerodynamic assembly of claim 14, wherein the active
spoiler arrangement further includes: a frame connected to the
inner panel of the lift gate, wherein the frame has at least one
drive track formed on the frame such that the at least one drive
track extends along the deployment axis; and at least one coupler
link connected between the spoiler and at least one guide track,
wherein the at least one coupler link is driven by the actuator
along the at least one drive track of the frame.
16. The active aerodynamic assembly of claim 15, wherein the active
spoiler arrangement further includes: at least one guide track
formed on the frame such that the at least one drive track and at
least one guide track are parallel to each other and extend along
the deployment axis; at least one guide flange connected between
the spoiler and the at least one guide track, wherein the at least
one guide flange moves along the at least one guide flange in
response to the at least guide flange being driven by the actuator;
and at least one coupler link connected between the spoiler and at
least one drive track, wherein the at least one coupler link moves
in the at least one guide track in response to the at least one
coupler link being driven by the actuator.
17. The active aerodynamic assembly of claim 16, further comprising
slants at each end of the at least one guide track and slants at
each end of the at least one driven track that allows the spoiler
to recess downward when in the stowed position and deployed
position to make a top surface of the spoiler flush with adjacent
surfaces.
18. The active aerodynamic assembly of claim 15, further comprising
slants at each end of the guide track that allows the spoiler to
recess downward when in the stowed position and deployed position
to make a top surface of the spoiler flush with adjacent
surfaces.
19. The active aerodynamic assembly of claim 18, wherein the
adjacent surfaces include a roof of a vehicle and a closeout panel
of the active spoiler arrangement.
20. The active aerodynamic assembly of claim 15, further
comprising: a drive shaft having a threaded surface connected to
the actuator, wherein the drive shaft is bi-directionally rotatable
by the actuator; the at least one coupler link includes a drive nut
connected to the threaded surface of the drive shaft and moveable
along the drive shaft in response to rotation of the drive shaft by
the actuator.
21. The active aerodynamic assembly of claim 14 further comprising:
a base portion of the at least one D pillar arrangement and a
winglet portion connected to the base portion, wherein the winglet
portion extends through the aperture past outer panel of the lift
gate when the at least one D pillar arrangement is moved to the
deployed position; a slotted link pivotally connected to the
spoiler at one end and the base portion at a second end, wherein
the slotted link transfers force from the spoiler to the at least
one D pillar arrangement to cause the at least one D pillar
arrangement to move between the stowed position and the deployed
position.
22. The active aerodynamic assembly of claim 21, wherein the base
portion further includes a base member slot that receives a portion
of the second end of the slotted link, thereby allowing the at
least one D pillar arrangement to rotate about the second end of
the slotted link.
23. The active aerodynamic assembly of claim 22, wherein the base
portion of the at least one D pillar arrangement includes a pivot
connection and return spring connected to the inner panel for
providing a force that biases the at least one D pillar arrangement
toward the stowed position.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to an active D pillar and
spoiler for a rear lift gate.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] "Spoilers" are known for use in vehicles for providing
aerodynamic and styling benefits to various vehicles. In SUV type
vehicles the spoiler is typically provided at the upper lift gate
area where it is either attached to the roof or to the top of the
lift gate of this type of vehicle.
[0003] The use of spoilers on SUV type vehicles reduces turbulent
air at the back area of SUV's, thereby reducing coefficient of drag
(Cd) and improves fuel economy. Static rear spoilers have been
implemented to reduce drag but do not provide any adjustability due
to their static nature. The present invention seeks to provide an
active rear horizontal spoiler used in combination with a static
rear spoiler to create a dimensionally adjustable horizontal flow
passage with added benefits. The present invention also seeks to
provide active D pillar winglets that are contained within the lift
gate and move between retracted and extended position, which in
combination with an active horizontal spoiler provides further
added aerodynamic benefits.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0004] An active aerodynamic assembly that includes a lift gate
having a rear glass with a forward side and a reward side. An inner
panel of the lift gate is located forward of the rear glass and an
outer panel is connected to the inner panel. When the outer panel
and inner panel are connected a cavity is formed between two
panels. An aperture is formed on the outer panel and provides
access to the cavity. A frame is connected to the lift gate within
the cavity. The frame has a plurality of tracks formed on the frame
such that the plurality of tracks are parallel to each other and
extend along a deployment axis of the frame. There is a spoiler
slidably connected to the frame and moveable along the deployment
axis between a stowed position and a deployed position. At least
one coupler link is connected between the spoiler and one of the
plurality of tracks of the frame. The coupler link is driven by the
actuator along one of the plurality of tracks of the frame.
[0005] The active aerodynamic assembly further includes at least
one moveable D pillar having a base portion and a winglet body
portion positioned within the cavity and aligned with the aperture.
The moveable D pillar is positioned between a stowed position where
the winglet body portion is located forward of the rear glass
within the cavity and a deployed position where the winglet body
portion extends through the aperture past the rearward side of the
rear glass. There is further provided an actuator in the cavity
that is connected to the base portion of the D pillar for causing
the winglet body portion to selectively move between the stowed
position and the deployed position.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0006] The present invention will become more fully understood from
the detailed description and the accompanying drawings.
[0007] FIG. 1 is a right side sectional plan view of the spoiler
and D pillar of the active aerodynamic assembly in the deployed
position.
[0008] FIG. 2 is a right side sectional plan view of the spoiler
and D pillar of the active aerodynamic assembly in the intermediate
position.
[0009] FIG. 3 is a right side sectional plan view of the spoiler
and D pillar of the active aerodynamic assembly in the stowed
position.
[0010] FIG. 4 is a side top sectional perspective view of the
spoiler and actuation mechanism in the deployed position.
[0011] FIG. 5 is a side top sectional perspective view of the
spoiler and actuation mechanism in the intermediate position.
[0012] FIG. 6 is a side top sectional perspective view of the
spoiler and actuation mechanism in the stowed position.
[0013] FIG. 7 is a top sectional perspective view of the spoiler, D
pillar and actuation mechanism in the deployed position.
[0014] FIG. 8 is a top sectional perspective view of the spoiler, D
pillar and actuation mechanism in the intermediate position.
[0015] FIG. 9 is a top sectional perspective view of the spoiler, D
pillar and actuation mechanism in the stowed position.
[0016] FIG. 10 is an exploded perspective view of the spoiler and D
pillar active components.
[0017] FIG. 11 is a bottom side sectional perspective view of the
spoiler in the deployed position.
[0018] FIG. 12 is a bottom side sectional perspective view of the
spoiler in the intermediate position.
[0019] FIG. 13 is a bottom side sectional perspective view of the
spoiler in the stowed position.
[0020] FIG. 14 is a rear perspective view of a vehicle lift gate
having an active aerodynamic assembly shown in the deployed
position.
[0021] FIG. 15 is a partially broken away rear perspective view of
a vehicle lift gate having an active aerodynamic assembly shown in
the stowed position.
[0022] FIG. 16 is a partially broken away rear perspective view of
a vehicle lift gate having an active aerodynamic pillar assembly
shown in the deployed position.
[0023] FIG. 17 is a partially broken away rear perspective view of
a vehicle lift gate having an active aerodynamic pillar assembly
shown in the stowed position.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0024] The following description of the preferred embodiments is
merely exemplary in nature and is in no way intended to limit the
invention, its application, or uses.
[0025] Referring now all the figures, with particular reference to
FIG. 10, the components of an active aero dynamic spoiler-pillar
assembly 10 are shown and described. The active aerodynamic
assembly 10 is connected to a lift gate 12 that includes a rear
glass 14, which is optional since some lift gates are solid panels
and do not have rear glass. The lift gate 12 includes an inner
panel 16 and outer panel 18 that are connected together. The rear
glass 14 is connected either to the outer panel 18 or a can be
connected to the inner panel 16. The lift gate and the rear glass
14 have a forward side that faces the interior of the vehicle
passenger compartment and a rearward side that faces the outside of
the lift gate 12. When the inner panel 16 and the outer panel 14
are connected together a cavity 20a, 20b is formed on the left side
and right side areas of what is typically referred to as the D
pillar. The D pillar is also adjacent to vertically parallel sides
of the rear glass 14. Between each of the vertically parallel sides
of the rear glass and a portion of the outer panel 18 is an
aperture 22a, 22b.
[0026] The active aerodynamic assembly 10 includes an active
spoiler arrangement 24 and an active D pillar arrangement 26a, 26b
located on the left and right hand side of the active aerodynamic
assembly. While the active spoiler arrangement 24 and active D
pillar arrangement 26a, 26b are shown in combination, it is within
the scope of this invention for them to exist separately. For
example it is possible for the active spoiler arrangement 24 to be
used independent from the active D pillar arrangement 26a, 26b. It
is also possible for the active D pillar arrangement 26a, 26b to
exist separate from the active spoiler, with some actuator
modifications.
[0027] The active spoiler arrangement 24 includes a frame 28 that
is connected to the inner panel 16 and outer panel 18 of the lift
gate 12. The frame 28 has two driven tracks referred to herein as
driven track 30a, 30b and two guide tracks referred to as guide
track 31a, 31b that extend parallel to each other along a
deployment axis A-A of the frame 28. While a total of four tracks
are shown on the frame 28 it is within the scope of this invention
for a greater or lesser number of tracks to be used depending on
the size of the frame and the particular application. Each of the
driven track 30 tracks has slants 34a, 34b, 34c, 34d and each guide
track 31a, 31b has slants 35a, 35b, 35c, 35d at each end, the
purpose of which will be described later.
[0028] Connected to the frame 28 is a spoiler 36 that is a single
piece or multiple pieces and is configurable to be slidable
relative to the frame 28 along the deployment axis A-A. The spoiler
36 is connected to the frame 28 using two coupler links, referred
to as coupler link 38a, 38b and at least one guide flange 37a, 37b.
Shown best in FIGS. 5 and 8, the details of coupler link 38a, 38b
and guide flange 37a, 37b are shown. While coupler link 38a, 38b is
shown and described it is to be understood that coupler link 38a,
38b connects in the same manner.
[0029] The guide flange 37a, 37b is formed on and extends from the
inside surface of the spoiler 36 and has a pin or bearing that
connects to the guide track 31a, 31b of the frame 28. The guide
flange 37a, 37b provides movement of the spoiler 36 along the
deployment axis A-A by moving along the guide track 31a, 31b
between a stowed position, intermediate position and deployed
position. Likewise the driven track 30a, 30b drives the movement of
the spoiler 36 between the stowed position, intermediate position
and deployed position through the connection with a bearing 44a,
44b of the coupler link 38a, 38b described below. The slants 35a,
35b, 35c, 35d at each end of the guide track 31a, 31b and the
slants 34a, 34b, 34c, 34d at each end of the driven track 30a, 30b
allow the spoiler 36 to recess downward when in the stowed position
and fully deployed position to make the top surface of the spoiler
flush with the adjacent surfaces such as a roof 19 or a closeout
panel 17 of the active aerodynamic assembly 10.
[0030] The degree and distance of the slants 34a, 34b, 34c, 34d,
35a, 35b, 35c, 35d can vary depending on the position of the
adjacent surface that the spoiler 36 is to be flush with. The
closeout panel 17 can be a single piece or multiple pieces where
the spoiler 36 is positioned above the closeout panel 17 when in
the stowed position but is flush or co-planar with the closeout
panel 17 when in the deployed position. The closeout panel 17
covers and protects and covers the frame and other components of
the active aerodynamic assembly 10 when the spoiler 36 is in the
deployed position. The closeout panel 17 also has slots aligned
with the driven track 30a, 30b and guide track 31a, 31b so that the
spoiler 36 can connect through the closeout panel 19.
[0031] FIG. 5 also show the details of a coupler link 38a, 38b that
connects the spoiler 36 to the frame 28. Each coupler link 38a, 38b
has arms 39a, 39b, 39c, 39d each having a first end 43a, 43b, 43c,
43d pivotally connected to flanges 42 of the spoiler 36 and a
second end 40a, 40b, 40c, 40d pivotally connect to a drive nut 48a,
48b that connects to a rotatable drive shaft 50a, 50b. First end
43b of arm 39b has a bearing 44b that connects to driven track 30a
and the first end 43c of arm 39c has a bearing 44a that connects to
driven track 30b. The second end 40a, 40b, 40c, 40d of the arms
39a, 39b, 39c, 39d of coupler link 38a, 38b both pivotally connect
to the respective drive nut 48a, 48b that connects to a rotatable
drive shaft 50a. 50b. The drive shaft 50a 50b is connected to and
is rotated by an actuator 52a, 52b. When the actuator 52a, 52b
rotates the drive shaft 50a, 50b in one direction the coupler link
38a, 38b will move in a first direction and the bearing 44a, 44b
will moves along the driven track 30a, 30b. When the drive shaft
50a, 50b rotates in a second direction the drive nut 48a, 48b will
move in the second direction and the coupler link 38a, 38b will
move in a second direction opposite the first direction. The
bearing 44a, 44b will slide along the driven track 30a, 30b. Thus
the actuator 52a, 52b causes a push or pull force on the spoiler 36
thereby causing it to move between the stowed position,
intermediate position or deployed position. While the drawings show
primarily the details of one side of the active spoiler 24, the
same structures are located on the other side of the active spoiler
24. However, depending on the application a greater or lesser
number of actuators, coupler links, driven tracks and guide tracks
are used, which can vary depending on many factors such as the size
or weight of the spoiler and size of the actuator.
[0032] The active aerodynamic assembly 10 also includes the active
D pillar arrangement 26a, 26b located on the left and right side of
the lift gate 12 near the two vertical sides of the rear glass 14.
It is within the scope of this invention for the active D pillar
arrangement 26a, 26b to be driven by a separate actuator and usable
on lift gates that do not have a moveable spoiler. However, in the
present embodiment shown the active D pillar arrangement 26a, 26b
is driven by the same actuator 52a, 52b as the spoiler 36 because
the active D pillar arrangement 26a, 26b as described in greater
detail below is connected to and is pulled or pushed by the spoiler
36.
[0033] Each active D pillar arrangement 26a, 26b includes a movable
D pillar having a base portion 56a, 56b and a winglet body portion
58a, 58b. Each movable D pillar is pivotable about a pivot
connection 60a, 60b to the inner panel 16 and is movable between a
stowed position where the winglet body portion 58a, 58b is located
forward of the rear glass 14 within the cavity 20a, 20b and a
deployed position where the winglet body portion 58a, 58b extends
through the aperture 22a, 22b (shown in FIG. 15) past the rearward
side of the rear glass 14. It is also within the scope of the
invention for the movable D pillar to be positioned at any
intermediate position there between.
[0034] A portion of the base portion 56a, 56b of each movable D
pillar 54a, 54b includes a base member slot 62a, 62b, which is a
closed slot having a shaped cross-section that receives a first
bearing end 64a, 64b of a slotted link 66a, 66b. The first bearing
end 64a, 64b is a roller, but can also simply be a pin that moves
within the base member slot 62a, 62b. When the slotted link 66a,
66b moves it will cause the movable D pillar 54a, 54b to rotate
about the pivot connection 60a, 60b. The pivot connection 60a, 60b
further includes a return spring 67a, 67b connected to the inner
panel for providing a force that biases the D pillar arrangement
26a, 26b toward the stowed position.
[0035] At a second end 68a, 68b of the slotted link 66a, 66b there
is a pivot connection 70a, 70b that connects to a bushing 72a, 72b
formed on the inside surface of the spoiler 36. The pivot
connection 70a, 70b as shown is a pin extending into the bushing
72a, 72b, however, it is within the scope of this invention for a
bearing member to be used. During actuation of the spoiler 36,
described above, the spoiler 36 will cause the slotted link 66a,
66b to move and rotate, the force of which is in turn transferred
through the slotted link 66a, 66b to the base member slot 62a, 62b,
which will then cause the slotted link 66a, 66b to pull upward or
push downward on the base member slot 62a, 62b. This causes the
first bearing end 64a, 64b of the slotted link 66a, 66b to slide
along the base member slot 62a, 62b, which will cause the movable D
pillar 54a, 54b to rotate about the pivot connection 60a, 60b with
the inner panel 16 of the lift gate 12, thereby causing the movable
D pillar 54a, 54b to rotate between the stowed position,
intermediate position and deployed position. As described above the
movable D pillar 54a, 54b is driven by the same actuator 52a, 52b
as the spoiler. In the present embodiment of the invention it is
contemplated that the movable spoiler has two actuators one for the
left side and one for the right side in order to provide enough
force to move the spoiler. Also the connection between the spoiler
and the movable D pillar on the left side and right side are also
driven by the same two actuators.
[0036] The description of the invention is merely exemplary in
nature and, thus, variations that do not depart from the gist of
the invention are intended to be within the scope of the invention.
Such variations are not to be regarded as a departure from the
spirit and scope of the invention.
* * * * *